Recommendations for Lifestyle Physical Activity and Exercise During the Perinatal Period: A Narrative Review

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently focused much attention on physical activity recommendations. Regular physical activity offers broad health benefits, reducing the risk of some chronic diseases and improving bone structure and muscle strength. Although the scientific literature provides numerous recommendations for physical activity during pregnancy and the postpartum period, there are no official recommendations for lifestyle-related physical activity. OBJECTIVES: This narrative review aimed to review the current knowledge on physical activity during pregnancy and the postpartum period, specifically focusing on lifestyle-related physical activity. The review was based on the definition of lifestyle-related physical activity proposed by Dunn et al. in 1998, which is at least 30 min of self-selected activity per day, encompassing all recreational, occupational, or household activities, as well as planned and unplanned activities that are part of daily life. METHODS: A number of databases were analyzed, including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science. RESULTS: The most valuable reports and recommendations regarding physical activity during the perinatal period were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate physical activity during pregnancy is safe and offers benefits, such as reducing the risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and excessive weight gain, as well as improving mental health. The most common benefits of continuing physical activity after delivery include weight control, reduced risk of depression, and improved quality of life. Lifestyle-based physical activity is easier to implement and more achievable than structured exercise. Further research is needed to establish recommendations regarding lifestyle-based physical activity during the perinatal period.